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Red Wings Wrap: Hirose Has a Chance for a Long Look

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The Red Wings have decisions to make with Robby Fabbri and Tyler Bertuzzi not being in the lineup. Fabbri suffered a torn ACL while Bertuzzi is ineligible to play in Canada due to his vaccination status.



Taro Hirose should get a good look when the Red Wings faceoff against the Calgary Flames tonight (7 EST).

Hirose hasn’t played since December 18th when the Red Wings beat the New Jersey Devils. His time in Detroit has been sporadic dating back to his debut in 2019.

Hirose posted 7 points in 10 games (1-6) and then had a 26 game showing during the disastrous 2019-20 season, where he had seven points (2-5). From there, Hirose’s time in Detroit has been sporadic and brief.

Though head coach Jeff Blashill wouldn’t commit to Hirose playing, he practiced on the fourth line with Givani Smith and Pius Suter.

Other Red Wings to Watch

Along with Bertuzzi and Fabbri, Carter Rowney and Mitchell Stephens  are unavailable. This gives Hirose and Smith a chance to grind it out for Detroit. Stephens is still practicing with the blue non-contact jersey so it buys Hirose at least a few games before Bertuzzi returns.

Defenseman Olli Juolevi is another Red Wing to watch. Juolevi was picked up off waivers and has yet to make his debut with Detroit.

Meanwhile, a morning call up:

Red Wings Trade Talk

If it’s right for everyone, DHN’s Bob Duff writes that Marc Staal is willing to pack his bags. But he’s not in any rush.

National Hockey Now

Vegas: A couple of goals aren’t enough against the Penguins as the Golden Knights drop their eighth game in their last twelve.

Philly: Might this be a permanent call up for Morgan Frost?

Boston: The B’s are riding an 8-1-1 run in their last ten and trying to avoid any chance of a roller coaster finish as the playoffs grow closer.

San Jose: When Erik Karlsson finally does hang his skates up, he won’t have to worry about figuring out his next career move. The defenseman is quite the comedian.

Pittsburgh: 2019 7th round pick Valtteri Puustinen made his NHL debut in the Penguins 5-2 win over Vegas. Puustinen suited up on the third line and is another example of Pittsburgh finding talent to keep that Stanley Cup window open.